Mirror Mirror - Where Do I Fit In Today ?

We often talk about the world out there, the news, the trends, the social shifts. But today I want to explore more personal question with you on the podcast. One I've been wrestling with lately. How do I see myself in the world today, this time on White's Thoughts Studios. Hey, everybody, welcome, Welcome to the podcast. Welcome to White's Thoughts. I'm Terry Weiss, your humbled host. Welcome back the podcast where we dive into everything, the big questions, the little observations, and everything in between. As we get ready to sit yet again around the virtual campfire. Remember, you can listen to all the episodes of White's Thoughts by going to the website Weissthoughts dot com. Just make sure you spell my name right w y C. E. Weiss Thoughts dot com. You can leave comments in the show feedback, and you even can even email me if you want to reach out to me directly. It's Terry T. E. R. R Y at Weis's Thoughts dot com. I don't forget to visit our parent website, Purplepitstudios dot com that you can listen to all the podcast offered, including this one, and I'm available on X at Terry Weiss and many other places as well. Okay, all right, well let's let's get right into the meat and potato of the in just a bit. But first we gotta do our weekly feature that everyone seems to love. It's that time again. It's time for the wordsmith word of the episode. That's right, it's time for the wordsmith word of the episode. Impress your friends, impress your family, Impress your co workers and colleagues with your vernacular knowledge. If there is such a word, and what is this week's wordsmith word of the episode? Oh, computer AI generated voice? What is it? Vodna bodnage b A d I nage and what is it? I know you're waiting with anticipation and bated breath. It's a noun humorous or witty conversation. Let's hear it in some examples, shall we. The couple's playful bodnage on their first date is their nerves and signaled there would be a second date. Ah, how about another example? My favorite podcast host keep up a witty bodonage while they discuss weighty current events. All right, and one more, I think having. A bodenage with my colleagues over morning coffee keeps the positive work environment. There you go, bodenage b A D I N A e E and it's pronounced bodenage. There you go. There is your wordsmith word of the episode. Now you can impress your friends, and press your family, and press your neighbors and colleagues and co workers and your pets with your vernacular or vocabulary verbal knowledge of vnacular verbal, I don't know, with your knowledge of words. How's that? Let's just let's just call it that. And that is this week's wordsmith word of the episode. Here on Weis's thoughts. So thank you so much, oh computer AI generated individual talent. All right, let's dive right in to the podcast today, shall we, uh you know again? Like I was talking about on the opening, we often talk about the world out there, the news, trends, social shifts, et cetera. But today, you know, I want to explore this topic with you. I want to explore a more personal question. And like I said, I've been thinking about this quite a bit lately, of how do I see myself in today's world? You know, it's a question that you know, it feels both kind of simple, but it's incredibly complex. Right. I mean, on the surface, I'm a person living in the twenty first century, navigating all the technology and the challenges and it's opportunities. But you know, if you dig, if we dig a little deeper into this, it's about understanding my place and you understanding your place, my impact and euro impact, my identity, your identity within this constantly evolving landscape. And let's face it, you know it's constantly evolving. We were talking about that on the last episode of Wis's Thoughts. You can check that out at the website or on your favorite podcast provider. Pull that up. One of the first things that strikes me is is the sheer, you know, idea of connectivity, the Internet, social media. I mean, these are woven and they have woven an intricate web that touches every one of us and almost every aspect of our lives. You know, I'm someone who enjoys sharing ideas and connecting with others, you know, through this podcast especially, but you know also on a day to day basis on social media, just going out with friends and meeting people in groups and things of that nature. So you know, I love doing that and I'm undeniably a part of this digital fabric in this day and age, in the twenty first century. I mean, my digital footprints is all over the place. I mean, I'm not hard to find. I always tell people I am not a hard person to find or get to know. And I love getting to know people and sharing, you know, different ideas and views. I really do. I have my strong personal opinions on things, and you do as well, and you're entitled to them. One thing I don't condone, though, is a violence, and you know, and things of that nature. But I enjoy a good exchange of ideas. And it's a powerful tool the digital world, you know what. It allow us for instant communication and access to an unprecedented amount of information. And some of us would argue, and some have argued too much information? Or what are they? What are they acronym they use for that TMI. You know, when you're telling somebody a story and you're like, okay, tm I too much information. I just say the words, hey man, that's too much information. I don't need to know every detail of how you shaved and you know got ready this morning. You know that you're here, now, you're presentable, you don't stink, and let's go anyway. But you know, this connectivity it really what it does. It also presents a paradox. I mean, while we're more connected than ever, there's also a sense of fragmentation. Let's be honest, we exist an echo chambers and we're bombarded with you know, curated fees that often lack genuine, nuanced dialogue across different perspectives. I mean, you can get it on your YouTube feed, you can get it on your social media feed, you can get it on your news feed. Hell, you can even get it on your phone. You know, you start seeing those advertisements that you know you're looking for something all of a sudden, you know, on your phone, and it starts showing up in your Facebook or your Instagram or your TikTok or you know, your ex profile. What have you Like? Why is this showing me an ad for something I was talking about a day ago. It's kind of scary, you know, under the auspices of being convenient, you know, it's it's just, you know, I find that finding my place in this digital space means conant consciously and constantly seeking out diverse voices and engaging in thoughtful discussions with folks and remembering that behind every screen name is a real person with their own, real experiences. And I think that's one thing that a lot of us, and even at times myself, we have to remember. And let me say that again that behind every screen name, especially in the digital world, behind every screen name, is a real person with their own experiences and their own takeaways from life and their own perspectives on whether it be socioeconomic, political, what have you? I mean, And just remember when you're face to face with people, everybody's journey man is different. It is, you know. Another divining characteristic of today's world is the accelerated pace of change that we're all under. Again, I invite you to listen to the last episode of the Wis's Thoughts podcast regarding that, you can go over and check that out again at Wife's Thoughts and check out that episode because it's amazing. We talked about that I think pretty great length on the last episode of the White Thoughts podcast, which coincidentally enough is uh, you know, two thousand versus twenty twenty five? Are we better Off? That's the title of the episode. Look for that two thousand versus twenty twenty five? Are we better off? And again there's just an unprecedented, unprecedented amount of change. You know, it's accelerated technologies evolving at lightning speed. Our social norms also seem to be shifting in some areas, and global events the unfold and real time to us. And I remember, I remember when I was a little bit younger, youngster, you know, high school, college age, and early adulthood. You didn't have really real time world events unfolding in real time, if that makes sense. You know, events in the world you found out what if you? I mean, now within seconds we know things from around the world. We know things seconds, and to be quite frankly frank with you, you can feel a bit overwhelming at times. It's like trying to keep up with a race that has no finish line. At least sometimes it feels like that to me. I don't know if it feels like that to you, but it just feels like I'm running a race that just never seems to freaking end. But for me, navigating this constant flux involves it's a delicate balance I'm learning to deal with. On the one hand, I want to I want to strive to remain open to new ideas and the technologies. I mean, who doesn't. Why close yourself off. I want to learn, I want to adapt, I want to grow as a human being. I want to enjoy everything this human experience has to offer. I mean this, this podcast itself, I believe as a statement to that. But on the other hand, I also recognize the importance of grounding myself and core values and principles that remain constant amidst the whirlwind of things that can be had happening out there. It's about embracing progress without losing sight of what truly matters. I think for all of us, do we have that foundational spot to rest upon. I mean, we see things increases in anxiety and depression and bipolar all kinds of mental health awareness now that we at least we're more aware of. But we've seen a rapid increase on it. Now. Some might argue that, hey, you might say, Terry, that's because there's more documentation, we're record keeping where we've become more knowledgeable in the medical field recognizing this, and the stigma has been lifted off mental health. But I also think there's some credence to the bombardment again and the accelerated rate of information and social change and you know, like I said, the whirlwind of things happening in our twenty first century world at this point in history. I mean, then there's the undeniable weight of global challenges, climate change, social inequality, political polarization. I mean, these aren't abstract concepts, my friends. They are realities that shape our present and they're going to shape our future. And I'll tell you what, as an individual, it can sometimes feel like my actions are insignificant in the face of such massive issues. What can I do? But you can't really have that attitude. You have to have the attitude of I do my part and maybe encompass and you know, bring to light out to other people if I can on certain things. And you know, there's strength in numbers and ideas, change in numbers, and it helps facilitate change. However, I'm learning that my place in this context Isn't it about a single handedly solving the issues. Like I said, this thing goes, I can't. I can't change the world on my own. But it's about contributing in my own way, however small or insignificant it might seem to me or you. Just any small thing you can do, give food to someone, volunteer at a shelter, get in on a discussion. Vote. Vote, that's the biggest thing. Man. I've encountered so many people that have become disillusioned her, especially in the United States with the political process. You know, we have over three hundred million people in the United States of America, they tell us from the last census. Now how accurate that is is up for debate, but just let's go with that number. Three hundred million people in the great United States of America, and only maybe one hundred million of us vote. I mean that's a third one third. Where are the rest of you? I know some's say, oh, well, some are kids, some are old, dead or whatever your own can't or they just passed away. A lot can't vote because they're not old enough. But I think there's a significant number left out there of you, those of you that don't. And I'm going to share a little information. Missus W has never voted, stated she will never vote. I don't know why. We've had many conversations, me and missus W on many occasions about the power of voting, but she just feels very disenfranchised by all political parties. Where I'm an avid voter, she is not. And yes, we're still married after twenty five years. Amazing, isn't it. But that's that's called being an adult, having a difference of opinion, having conversations about it, and respecting at the end of the day. But think about that, over three hundred million people, just figure, three hundred million people in the United States of America, and only about one hundred million of us if that vote, or so my memory serves me right, amazing, utterly amazing. But I'm learning more and more and been thinking about it. It's about making conscious choices in my daily life and supporting causes that I believe in and using my voice I know how, even through this podcast, to raise awareness and encourage thought engagement. I mean, that's the big thing. There's nothing wrong with thinking. They have an outlawed thinking. Yet in the USA some places, some would argue they're trying to but inside your head. They can't get inside your hat. You are you, man and woman, all of us. You are you, my friend. So I want to raise awareness and encourage thoughtful engagement and thought engagement in general. I mean, on a more personal level, I see myself as someone constantly striving for growth and understanding. You know, today's world demands a certain level of self awareness and willingness to learn and unlearned certain things, certain things that you know. When I was younger, I was like the narratives we've been told, the assumptions we hold, things like that, they need to be constantly examined and challenged. That's just being a good steward of the gift you've been given by God or Allah or Buddha or whatever you believe. The tree out in your yard, the universe, what have you. This means actively seeking out, actively seeking out different perspectives, engaging in some uncomfortable conversations at times, and even I have to learn to acknowledge some of my own biases. It's a journeys. How many times have I said on this podcast, folks, it's a journey man. We're all on this journey together. We're all in this big blue orb. This is the only home we got right now, and it's a journey of continuous self discovery. And in today's complex world, it feels more important to me than ever. I don't know how you feel about it, but it really feels more important to me than ever that I continue this journey of having those uncomfortable conversations and thinking out different perspectives and gathering I just had a conversation on the internet with a fellow a voice actor and producer, and in fact, they wrote a new book and it's uh. I don't want to mention anything here because I don't have permission or anything to do that, but I bought it. It's up for pre order and Amazon. And when I responded back to the author and that, you know, and I've engaged with this individual before because I think they're number one A. Really they seem like a really great person and they're very knowledgeable in the voice acting field and audio production field. And I said, you know, this is great. You know, even though I've been doing what I've been doing for for quite some time. But my philosophy in life, especially in the past probably decade or more, is ABL. And the initials ABL always be learning, no matter what, professionally, personally, intellectually, what have you. And my father actually implanted that seat in me when I was very young. He says, you know, he says, Terry, you learn something new every day, whether you want to or not. And it could be as simple, something as simple as, oh, there's a new television station on cable or oh, I find that I like mayonnaise now and I never you know, and that's another topic for another show. But I become a lover of Hellman's mayonnaise, real mayonnaise. I never really could care for mayonnaise up until recently. And the wife gave me a sandwich. She gave me a chicken sandwich and put some mail on it. I'm like, this isn't Miracle Wep because I was a die hard miracle whip person, folks. I went Miracle Wep man out and I'd like, what is this on here? I said, this tastes really good. She goes, honey, that's mayonnaise. I got to get out of here. It is not. She says, absolutely it is. She brought the you know, the squeeze bottle out. I'm like, holy shit, I like this now. I don't know. It's as I gain in years and mature what have you, that my taste buds have changed. But now I love it. I can't get enough of it. I'm not drinking it out of the bottle or anything, you know, but it's it's more important than ever to learn grow, seek out different perspectives, be willing to grow, always be learning. You know, I see myself as someone as seeking meaning and purpose in this world, especially as I get I'm mature and get a little I say, dare I say gaining in years in a world often driven by consumerism and external validation, everybody look at me. I call certain individuals and organizations that do that. I call them peacocks, you know, peacock with the big colorful feathers. If those of you who don't know what a peacock is, you know seeking external validation, you know what. Let me tell you something right now. Let me give you some advice that was given to me, and sometimes I have to check myself and regive myself the same advice. You're okay, you can be better, but hey, you're okay. You don't need validation from your friends, you don't need validation from your family. You don't even need validation from your spouse. Love and respect yourself. Give yourself that self esteem boost. You are good. You have the ability. You can do anything. To steal a line from the movie and Back to the Future, you can do anything if you put your mind to it. You don't need external validation, and you know, finding what truly resonates and gives life significance. Is a It's a constant pursuit. I mean until the day they're shoving us in the ground, or in a coffin or a coffee can after cremating, whatever. But it's a constant pursuit. And for me, that involves creativity, connection and contributing something positive to the world, however small it may be. That's what I am finding more and more and more, whether it's through my music, through just little blurbs on the Wife's Thoughts YouTube channel. You know this podcast helping clients with voiceover audiobook, being an audiobook narrator and audiobook production, what have you? Just getting involved in my community, volunteering whatever is good, however small. I mean, like I said, this podcast in many ways is an extension of that desire. So where do I see myself in today's world? Well, it's a work in progress and it's a constantly evolving picture. My friends. I'm a connected individual navigating a fragmented digital landscape, and I'm trying to keep pace with rapid change while staying grounded and go with my core values. I'll tell you that. I mean, I know I'm a global citizen grappling with significant challenges, striving to contribute in meaningful ways as well. But I'm also a proud citizen of the United States of America. And ultimately, I'm a person on a journey, a journey that since I was conceived in my mother's womb of self de discovery. It's just only recently that I've become self aware of this seeking understanding and purpose and a complex and fascinating time in history. This is a fascinating time to be alive, my friends. It's amazing, you know. I know this has been more of a personal reflection than usual, and I'm curious. How do you see yourself in today's world? What do you think about? It's a question worth pondering. I'd love to hear your thoughts. You can email me at Terry at Weis's thoughts dot com or interact with me on x at Terry Weiss. I appreciate you joining me today on the podcast on Whyte's Thoughts Today. Until next time, my friends, keep thinking, keep questioning, and most of all, keep exploring your place in this incredible world. Hey, thanks for listening to the program today. I truly appreciate each and every one of you out there, and remember to see a change in the world, you have to be the change in the world you want to see. It all starts with you, the person looking back at you in the mirror every morning. Remember to be kind to yourself, be kind to others. If you want to tweet at me on Twitter, it's at Terry Weiss. Stop by the website Weis's Thoughts dot com just to make sure you spell my name right. Wysee Wis's thoughts dot com, and hey, leave us a positive rating and review on your favorite podcast provider. Won't you tell your friends, tell your family, tell your pets about wife's thoughts, and I look forward to gathering yet again around the virtual campfire with you real soon. Take care.